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One time only nightclub is "popping up" for Valentine's Day in downtown Evansville

Posted: Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The University of Evansville has teamed with the city and several local sponsors to create “Evansville Pop Up Events”, a series of one-night-only happenings that are here today and gone tomorrow. The first in this series is titled “In Love on Main” and encourages the public to move date night downtown, where all the elements for a romantic evening are in one area. As part of a larger date night experience, guests are encouraged to visit “In Love on Main”, located in the former Old National Bank lobby at 420 Main, for a unique pop-up nightclub experience.

Adults of all ages can walk in off the street and enter, free of charge, to enjoy live entertainment, desserts, and a full cash bar until midnight.

The musical backdrop will build the atmosphere throughout the evening, starting with classical piano by Sean Holleran for the early crowd and transitioning into blues and classic rock with acoustic guitarist, Casey Williams, until 8:00 p.m. Then, local band Osiella will take over with high energy alternative pop for an upbeat nightclub feel until midnight.

“This type of musical lineup will seamlessly tie the evening together for the multi-generational crowd we expect at the event,” says Amanda Campbell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for UE. “It will be open to adults of all ages and guests are not required to be 21 to enter.”

A full cash bar will be available to those who show proof of ID, and non-alcoholic drink options will be provided for those who are under age. Additionally, a dessert bar will be open to everyone throughout the evening.

“There currently aren’t many opportunities for under-aged adults to socialize in an upscale, nightclub setting here,” said Madison Hendricks, a UE junior who has taken the role of project manager for the event. “We really wanted to provide fun events and experiences for all ages, including the large Evansville college crowd, many of which are not yet 21.”

Andrey Biryuchinskiy, a UE international student from Moscow, Russia, is eager to attend “In Love on Main” which reminds him of the rich night life available back home.

“I’m excited to share this experience with my friends, some who have never been to something like this before,” says Biryuchinskiy.

Don Jones, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the University of Evansville, is thrilled that this opportunity provides yet another avenue for UE students to gain real-world, hands-on experience outside of the classroom.

“We look at this as a step in the right direction to attract and retain Evansville residents,” Jones said. “As we enrich the city with events and happenings like this, it provides a stronger platform for us as a university to recruit more students who look for these quality of life opportunities when choosing a school. Additionally, it opens the door to attract new businesses and business professionals to the area.”

Before attending the nightclub, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at one of the many local establishments offering romantic dining experiences unique to Evansville. Then they can hang around the downtown area to round out the evening with exciting entertainment options, including this one-time, pop up event.

“During the VOICE sessions, over 2000 people told us that they wanted more hip experiences in the city core,” says Lynn Miller-Pease of Leadership Evansville. “In Love on Main is an incredible example of how to make our city core more vibrant.”

Funding for this event was provided by the City of Evansville through the Department of Metropolitan Development’s Community Revitilization Loan Fund. Any profit from “In Love on Main” will be put back into the funds set aside for the next pop up event.

In addition to the nightclub portion of the evening, a seven course tasting, which is already sold out, is being prepared by local restaurateur, Jayson Munoz of Kanpai Asian Bistro and Commonwealth Kitchen and Bar.

“We’ve designed an assorted, foodie-friendly menu that offers yet another unique element to this event,” Munoz said. “I’m excited to use my passion for food and community to give back and get people invested in Evansville.”

Other sponsors and vendors include Acropolis, Coca Cola Distributors, Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, Just Rennie’s, Sollers Point and T.R.U. Event Rentals.